Choice for some

Sunday

Feb 3, 2013 at 3:15 AMApr 4, 2013 at 2:31 PM

In column published Sunday, Feb. 3, columnist Charles Arlinghaus comes to the defense of charter schools and a state law allowing businesses tax deductions in order to fund scholarships to those other than public schools.

While we greatly respect Arlinghaus for his thoughtful words, he misses the chink in the armor of school choice advocates.

Such programs do not offer choice for all. Of particular note are students with special needs. While state and federal laws have gone a long way in allowing those with severe disabilities to get much-needed educational services, they have not created a level playing field.

As special needs students move from one public school to another, the law does a good job of making sure public tax dollars are there where needed.

But when special needs students look to enter some private education institutions it can be a different and more difficult story.

Until that changes it is hard to accept the notion of choice for some, but not for all.